Flexible Stapler Blade Assembly for Tissue Access Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical staplers with rigid blade assemblies face challenges in articulation and flexibility, limiting access to tissue and efficiency in stapling and cutting operations.
Innovation Solution
A blade assembly for surgical reloadable cartridge assemblies featuring an I-beam with mechanically coupled inner and outer leaves, allowing for enhanced flexibility and articulation, enabling easier access to tissue and improved stapling and cutting performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid blade assembly is used in a surgical stapler, then structural strength and stability are improved, but articulation capability and tissue access flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The blade assembly is divided into multiple segments including a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an articulation section with hinges that allow relative movement between segments. This segmentation enables the blade to articulate and adapt to different tissue configurations while maintaining structural integrity through controlled jointed movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade assembly transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic articulated structure that can change its configuration during operation. The articulation section with movable hinges allows the blade to adapt its shape and position dynamically to access difficult tissue areas while maintaining sufficient strength for cutting and stapling functions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid blade assembly is used in a surgical stapler, then cutting stability is improved, but tissue access efficiency and articulation flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is segmented into multiple sections connected by articulation joints, allowing each segment to maintain structural stability for cutting while the overall assembly can flex and articulate to reach difficult tissue locations, thereby improving both cutting stability and tissue access efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade assembly incorporates flexible articulation mechanisms that allow controlled bending and movement, enabling the blade to navigate complex tissue geometries while maintaining sufficient rigidity at the cutting edge to ensure stable and precise cutting performance.
3Strength
If all leaves are welded or secured to the I-beam in a blade assembly, then structural rigidity is improved, but flexibility and articulation capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The blade assembly is segmented into multiple leaves (outer leaves and inner leaves) with selective attachment to the I-beam. The outer leaves are welded or secured to the I-beam providing structural rigidity, while the inner leaves are mechanically coupled allowing relative movement, creating a structure that combines rigidity with flexibility for improved articulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the blade assembly have different attachment characteristics: outer leaves are rigidly attached to I-beam for structural support, while inner leaves have mechanical coupling that permits movement for flexibility. This local differentiation of attachment quality enables the assembly to simultaneously achieve rigidity where needed and flexibility where articulation is required.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes apparatuses for a surgical reloadable cartridge assembly. An example apparatus includes a blade assembly which comprises leaves and an I-beam. In an example there are two outer leaves and at least one inner leaf. The two outer leaves are connected to the I-beam. The at least one inner leaf is not connected to the outer leaves and is connected to the I-beam with a connection that allows the at least one inner leaf to move relative to the I-beam while not being pulled away from the I-beam when tension is applied to the at least one inner leaf.